How to Transfer Accounts between Interactive Brokers and E*Trade
With the ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service) system, investment accounts can be moved between E*Trade and Interactive Brokers (or Interactive Advisors). Follow this guide to complete the process.
Transfer from Interactive Brokers to E*Trade
Moving self-directed accounts between E*Trade and Interactive Brokers—or robo accounts between E*Trade and Interactive Advisors—is simple using the ACATS system. You must follow all steps carefully to avoid delays or problems.
Step #1: The first step is to
open a new brokerage or robo account at E*Trade. Accounts can be moved from Interactive Brokers/Advisors into either type at E*Trade. Some holdings may be sold and replaced with E*Trade’s ETFs if they don’t match its robo program. It’s also possible to move from a robo account to a self-directed account, either in cash or positions.
Once you choose the account type, open it on E*Trade’s website or app. The name and tax type (IRA, custodial, etc.) should match the Interactive account. If not, a
paper form is required, which takes longer.
Step #2: Prepare the Interactive Brokers account for the transfer. Interactive Advisors accounts (robo) usually need little preparation. If you want to move only cash, sell all positions first. Speak with a tax professional before selling.
Some assets at Interactive Brokers cannot be transferred to E*Trade. These include warrants, foreign stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. These must be sold, moved to another IBKR account, or excluded in a partial transfer. Options expiring in less than a week and futures contracts should also not be moved.
Certain mutual funds and OTC stocks may not transfer either. Check E*Trade’s fund screener on its website or app to confirm.
Before starting the transfer, cancel open orders and make sure there are no unsettled trades.
Step #3: Get the E*Trade account ready. Add options trading and margin approval if needed. Be sure the correct options level is added for advanced strategies.
Step #4: Submit the ACATS request with E*Trade, as it is the receiving firm. On the mobile app, log in, tap Menu, then select Transfer. Scroll down and tap Account Transfer to open the ACATS form.
Choose Interactive Brokers as the outgoing firm. The form will show several options depending on your account number format. Select the right one and complete all sections of the form.
Step #5: Track the transfer progress on the app or website. The ACATS transfer page has an activity section showing past and current requests.
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Transfer from E*Trade to Interactive Brokers
To transfer in the opposite direction, follow these steps:
Step #1: Open an Interactive Brokers or Interactive Advisors account
here. Both can accept transfers from E*Trade, but robo accounts only accept cash. Remember: account types must match (IRA to IRA, etc.).
Step #2: Prepare the E*Trade account. If you are transferring into a robo account at Interactive Advisors, you must liquidate all positions because only cash can be accepted.
If you are transferring into a self-managed Interactive Brokers account, many positions will be accepted, but not all. Futures contracts cannot be moved through ACATS. The same rules apply for mutual funds, OTC securities, and short-term options.
Interactive Brokers will not accept some U.S.-listed micro-cap stocks unless certain criteria are met. Check IBKR’s information page for details.
Step #3: Prepare the IBKR account. Add margin and options permissions if these will be transferred from E*Trade.
Step #4: Submit the ACATS request with IBKR. On the website, log in and go to the Transfer & Pay tab. Under it, click Transfer Positions.
Select Incoming Transfer, then choose United States as the region. Select ACATS as the transfer type.
This opens the ACATS form. At the top, select E*Trade from the list of brokers. You can choose a full or partial transfer. There is also an option to exclude mutual funds that IBKR won’t accept. After filling everything out, submit the request.
On the mobile app, go to the More tab, then scroll down to the Transfer & Pay section to access the same form.
Step #5: Check the transfer status by calling (877) 442-2757. IBKR also has live chat support on its website under the Help menu.
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Cost of ACATS
Interactive Brokers does not charge for incoming or outgoing ACATS transfers. ACH withdrawals may have a fee, so check if you plan to send cash to an E*Trade robo account.
E*Trade does not charge to receive an ACATS transfer but does charge $75 for a full outgoing transfer. A partial transfer is $25, but the fee is waived if the account keeps more than $5,000.
How Long Does an ACATS Take?
An ACATS transfer usually finishes within a week, and assets arrive in the receiving account within two weeks.
Updated on 8/20/25.
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